MITCH SCHECHTER bio
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PERFORMANCE: 1967 TO PRESENT
Thirty-three years' performance experience starting at age 13 as pianist and synthesist. Have averaged as high as 250 performances a year ranging from concerts and recitals to hotel, restaurant, and club work. Currently average 125 per year. Fluent in a range of genres including classical music, traditional jazz, jazz fusion, and Latin, African, Cuban, Klezmer, and other ethnic forms. Proficient as a soloist and in groups ranging from duos, trios, quartets, quintets, and big bands to full orchestras.
∑ Have performed in settings ranging from concert halls to universities, libraries, museums, parks, dinner theaters, and commercial arenas. Have performed at Drew, Seton Hall, Hofstra, and Rockefeller Universities.
∑ Have performed in music festivals and summer theaters in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including the Fort Dupont Summer Theater, the Arlington Arts al Fresco, Crystal City Sights and Sounds Series, and the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival.
∑ Have created several original ensembles including The Lake Ensemble, which has been featured in concerts with Clifford Jordan and Jackie Baiyard, and the Jazspring Trio, which has performed extensively in New York and New Jersey.

∑ Have performed with the Andy Statman Klezmer Trio and Orchestra for eight years in venues including Lincoln Center and Merkin Concert Hall in New York, in Washington D.C., St. Louis, Belgium, Antwerp, and the Boesendorfer Concert Hall in Amsterdam.
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∑ Have opened both as an original ensemble and as a sideman for concerts headlining such artists as Angela Bofil, Dave Leibman, and Pieces of a Dream.
∑ Helped to create the Mitchell Schechter/Marty FogelProject, a collaboration whose performance repertoire includes original compositions, jazz standards, liturgical and Klezmer music, and free jazz.

∑ Have performed with numerous artists and ensembles in New York and New Jersey a few a include Crossing Point, Quark, Vic Juris, Warren Vache Jr, Gary Mazaroppi, Harry Leahey and the Eric Storkman Septet.

COMPOSING, ARRANGING, AND DIRECTING
Have composed, arranged, and directed performances of a wide range of vocal and instrumental compositions including several books of jazz songs, crossover compositions, and dance pieces. Have written and arranged compositions for a variety of ensemble presentations.
∑ Composed and arranged music for a compact disc by The Jazspring Trio, Seasons and Sentimenets. Recently completed recording a collection of 5 compact discs entitled "The Sound Painting Series".
∑ Composed and performed (with Marty Fogel) the musical underscore for the feature film documentary A New Heritage: The Rebirth of Jewish Life in Poland.
∑ Composed theme for long-running cable television series Women's Page. Served as Musical Director for community production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
∑ Served as musical director, composer, and arranger for jazz vocal trio. Worked as choral director for several corporate choirs including Hoffman Laroche and Nabisco.

RECORDINGS AND BROADCASTS
Have recorded jazz compact discs as a principal member of jazz groups and as a sideman with jazz artists and top ensembles from New York and New Jersey.
∑ Have recorded a well-reviewed compact disc of original compositions as a principal member of The Jazspring Trio called Seasons and Sentiments. Currently recording an independent album of original compositions.
∑ Have recorded two ethnic jazz compact discs with the Andy Statman Klezmer Orchestra. Some selections from these recordings can also be found on a compilation recording on Elypsis Records.
∑ Have been recorded on four compact discs of concerts associated with jazz improvisation clinics at Roxbury High School with artists such as Buddy Baker, Chris Vadahla, and Eddie Daniels.
∑ Have recorded a March of Dimes benefit jazz concert as a principal member of The Lake Ensemble for radio broadcast.
∑ Recorded four compact discs this past year with Vinnie Cutro and Mike Stern" New York City Soundscape", with the Peter Furlin 11-piece band and quintet, and with Jerry Peel (formerly with Chuck Mangione) and the Eric Storkman Septet.
∑ Have had recordings and performances broadcast on several radio jazz programs, including WNYC "Around the Town," WFDU, Brandeis University radio, Liverpool Public Radio, and stations in New York.

EDUCATION
Fairleigh Dickinson University 1972-1976
B.A. in Music Education, Magna Cum Laude
Zennon Fishbein/Manhattan School of Music 1974-1977
Private Studies and Advanced Piano Technical Workshop
Walter Norris/New Jersey 1975
Private studies in jazz piano under pianist affiliated with Charlie Mingus, Ornette Coleman, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, and similar artists.
Mike Longo/New York City 1979-1982
Private studies in jazz piano/theory/harmony under pianist affiliated with Dizzy Gillespie and similar artists.
Don Sebeski/New York City 1986